Laboratory

in sensory physiology

Visual motion and depth discrimination are pertinent models to study the brain signals for perception and decision-making. A number of different visual cortical areas have been implicated in the perception of motion and 3D depth. Brain areas have traditionally been studied in isolation from one another; and yet a network of areas appears to be required.  The challenge has been to determine what visual cortical components are involved and how they are interconnected. The Krug Lab is using a multifaceted approach to reveal the anatomical connections that come and go from the middle temporal area V5/MT in primates - an area with a central role in the perception of motion and 3D depth. By comparing brain connectivity visualized with cutting egde non-invasive MRI methods (e.g. Diffusion-Weighted Imaging, resting-state fMRI), invasive MRI methods (e.g. Manganese-tracing) as well as histological tracing in the same individual, we also provide validation of these new imaging techniques.